The French national team concluded its preparation with a prestigious victory in the last friendly match against Brazil in Okinawa, before departing for Manila for the start of the 2025 World Championship. "Les Bleus" won 4:1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23), with head coach Andrea Giani giving playing time to the entire available squad. Earvin Ngapeth participated in three sets, showed good form, and this was the decisive factor for him to remain in the team.
15 instead of 14 – because of Ngapeth
The French started their preparation with an extended list of 15 players – a decision dictated by doubts about Ngapeth's physical condition. Giani preferred to have a "medical joker" to react in case of a new injury.
Who was dropped and who remained
Two experienced players were left out – Kévin Tillie, who declined participation for family reasons, and middle blocker Joris Seddik, who is still recovering from an injury.
Instead, young François Huetz and Mathis Henno found a place, having impressed with their performances in the Nations League. France's squad includes 11 of the Olympic champions from Paris. Giani kept Ngapeth at the expense of Timothée Carle.
France's final squad for the 2025 World Championship
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Setters | Antoine Brizard, Lúcia Vangelper |
| Opposite Hitters | Jean Patry, Stéphen Boyer |
| Outside Hitters | Earvin Ngapeth, Trévor Clévenot, Julien Lyneel, Mathis Henno |
| Middle Blockers | Barthélémy Chinenyeze, Nicolas Le Goff, Quentin Jouffroy, François Huetz |
| Liberos | Jenia Grebennikov, Benjamin Diez |
The squad is balanced and full of experience – Brizard, Patry, and Chinenyeze form the backbone, while the fresh faces of Henno and Huetz bring new energy. The biggest question mark remains Ngapeth's condition, but his presence on the list is a clear sign of France's ambition to attack the missing gold – the world title.
